We get knocked down...

I'm writing this post for anyone who is currently questioning their abilities, questioning whether or not they're meant for sales, and anyone who is waging war with "did I fake my way to the top only to figure out I'm a fraud" imposter syndrome.

3 months ago I was there, too. I have consistently been a top performer and have spent my entire career acquiring high-value logos, and I'm damn good at it too. But... I have a management team that stole my confidence in exchanges akin to emotionally abusive romantic relationships. I still work at this place while I take my time to find the right role (not looking to go from frying pan --> fire, ya know). But I have managed to identify that I'M not the issue here, and I've began to build back my confidence which is helping me in my search for greener pastures.

Here are some things I've learned through therapy, the War Room, and removing emotion from an emotional situation that I think are important for anyone struggling:

• Quota isn't the only measurement of success, even in sales. If you've helped create products, processes, templates, or anything else that contributes to your company's overall effectiveness, that's a resume-worthy win.
• If someone is always telling you you're wrong, it's them who has the issue- not you. Good managers don't only tear you down. Instead, they build you up in a way that minimizes your shortcomings. Be humble in assessing where you need to improve, but don't listen to someone who makes you feel that you have nothing to contribute.
• It is possible that you weren't meant for sales. Maybe you aren't any good at it- but if you've had a successful career, and one single person or place is the only thing making you question your abilities... it's more likely that you're in the wrong environment. Sharks can't walk but they'll sure fuck you up in the water.
• There is more to life than your job, and you shouldn't be made to feel bad about that. If work isn't in the number 1 spot on your priority list, that's okay. I'd argue that it's best if it isn't. The most effective sales people I know are working toward something, the ones I know that prioritize work over everything else come across as untrustworthy.
• If you've done the work, hit the numbers, and followed through on your responsibilities and you're not getting compensated as you should- there's both a reason for it, and legal recourse. The reason: you work for assholes. They're either not liquid enough to pay you, or they're doing some mental gymnastics to justify not paying you. Either way, it's your money and you're entitled to it. Consult with an employment attorney.

I've had to do a lot of introspection to remove the blame from myself for some of the current circumstances of my professional life. Our careers are built around being accountable for everything that happens to/by/around us. That said, the things outside of your control in the employer/employee relationship are not yours to own singularly. As a friend of mine once told me "Control what you can control".